In the shadowy depths, reminiscent of the abyss itself, the horizon seemed to stretch endlessly. Within this boundless expanse of darkness, a colossal, gray eel of unfathomable size swirled, defying the notion that even this infinite realm could confine its presence. It was a scene that left all who beheld it in awe.
But not for him.
Indrah felt like sinking to the bottom of an ocean. His body stood frozen with a sweat-soaked back, in stark contrast to Baam, who was standing on his left as if he were on vacation.
Baam and the Administrator started having a conversation, ignoring him as if he didn't exist.
He watched nervously as Baam, after striking a deal with the Administrator, departed. Before he left, he looked at Indrah and said, "I'll wait for you outside, Indrah," in a determined tone, then left without looking back.
'Y-You little traitor. Wait till I come outside…'
"Hello there, Kid," a voice that seemed to come from all directions snapped him out of his thoughts. He faced the Administrator in front of him and didn't respond. Why? Because it was useless; the eyes of the Administrator turned blue for a short instant, blinding even his Rinnegan.
"Hmmm… You! You look 'tasteless,'" the Administrator swam around as if examining something new and interesting.
Indrah didn't move and watched the enormous being swim around him. Even with his Rinnegan, he couldn't grasp the full size of the Administrator.
"Very well, for your test, you have to do something to contribute to the Tower, just like all the other Outsiders of the past did," stopping in front of his face, the Administrator spoke.
"What do you want me to do… Oh, good sir?" Indrah didn't whine about why he wasn't getting the same treatment as Baam or what contributions his idol, Urek Mazino, had made. He could sense that doing so would mark the end of his journey in this story.
"What a polite youngster; it's rare to find these nowadays. And… did you assume my gender, boy?!" The Administrator's eyes widened comically.
Indrah sweated bullets at the playfulness of the Administrator. Even though he felt like petting him for being cute, the movement he made with his hand would spell his doom. He could only think,
'Wait a few more years, bastard, I'll use Summoning Jutsu on you!!'
"Ahahahahaha… I was joking, boy. Hahahaha, I 'like' you already, so I'll shorten the difficulty of your test," the Administrator laughed, seeing Indrah's lack of response. Alas, if only he could read Indrah's mind.
"All you have to do is… Create a new Position in the Tower."
Indrah stared blankly at the smirking Administrator. What unfairness was this? Was this how the elderly should behave? Just as he was about to protest, the Administrator dropped another bomb.
"And… Defeat the group of Princess Yuri Jahad, who is advancing and will reach here in a few days. You can avoid the Princess and a little guide in that Team, but the rest must be defeated. Otherwise, you'll stay with me here forever… Hahahahaha!"
"Remember!! You should only fight in the way the Position you create entails!"
Indrah just stood there in silence, falling into deep thought upon hearing this absurd test.
'Bro, did I offend you somehow? Why have I never read something like this in that book Hansung gave me?' Thinking along those lines, he felt nervous about the consequences of what this would lead to.
But then, he realized a thing. Was he scared? Since when? He always berated Baam for being a sissy, but now, Baam will face the Test of the Administrator even if it means death. Whether it is easy or tough, he never questioned. Even if he is a Simp, he is man enough to be it. But him? Was he getting scared? Really??
'Is this character development? Hmmm… amusing indeed.' Pushing his shameless thoughts aside, A smile stretched on Indrah's face. It wasn't anything malicious or creepy. it was so full of warmth and gentleness that the Administrator had to double-take it.
"Pfft." After a long struggle, he controlled his laughter and stretched in a long, languid motion.
'Screw Jahad and his fanatocs.' Looking up at the Administrator straight in the eyes, with both his EMS and Rinnegan shining, Indrah spoke softly,
"What will be my reward?"
'Interesting…' The Administrator thought, noticing the sudden change.
"It's your choice, Kiddo. Think carefully and tell me what you desire, when you pass the test. But don't be too greedy. The reward equals your risk and result."
"And don't be foolish enough to ask something like hiding the fact that you are an Outsider. That will be useless, as a little girl has already noticed you. She is quite the nasty one… stalking like a pervert."
"Girls these days…"
Indrah's brows shot up in mild surprise at the entry of a new character. But he didn't care. He didn't come here to live in hiding. So much for living without regrets crap if he even hides from who he is.
He was about to ask some clue regarding the Position from the lamenting Administrator, but found himself outside, standing near an arguing Baam and Hansung Yu.
Indrah unconsciously released a sigh of relief and felt much more free and light.
"What I want has to be up there…" Baam shouted at Hansung Yu and stormed off, leaving the place.
"Huh? What's going on?" Indrah asked, seeing the smiling Hansung and angry Baam.
"Nothing… So, did you receive your test from the Administrator?" Hansung didn't reply and tried to change the topic.
"Yeah, just don't disturb me for a few days. And if possible, I want books concerning Positions," Indrah asked directly, ignoring Hansung's squinting.
"I'll return the books, and in favor of this and the book you lent me before, you can ask me for a favor one time. I'm sure an Irregular's favor isn't something you'll often receive," he added.
Hansung Yu didn't respond for a few moments. He turned around and started to leave with the words, "Come and collect it at my office tomorrow morning."
Indrah looked at the fading back of Hansung Yu and decided to retire to his room. He couldn't slack off anymore.
…
In a deserted area under the Rocky Mountains, the Test Admin of the Wave Controllers, 'Yuga,' could be seen kicking around the rocks and shouting.
"I-impossible, impossible!! Two Irregulars at the same time? The 'King' must be notified!" He opened his pocket and dialed the Royal Enforcement Division Commander… Before he could proceed with the call,
"I already told you not to come here, Ren. Should I cut that thick fur for you to understand what it means?" From between the shadows of two hills, Hansung Yu appeared.
"You!! What the hell are you planning, bastard?! Hiding two Irregulars from the Royal Family! Are you rebelling?" Ren shouted as three tongues dangled outside from his 'mouth.'
"How would I know they are Irregulars? I could say, you taught an Irregular about Shinsu. Are you going to deny it?" With his usual smile, Hansung Yu asked.
GRIT
Gritting his teeth, Lo Po Bia Ren controlled his bloodlust to avoid making any rash moves.
"Even if Baam climbed the tower, which is unacceptable, that Indrah must die. He is the second coming of 'Urek Mazino.' I can feel it… He will die, I'll kill him!!" After making a threat about how he would march this place with Jahad's Army, Ren left.
Now alone, Hansung Yu looked above, toward the top of a hill that stood alone in the distance. There, a figure perched, covered by the darkness of the night and surrounded by white smoke. It painted the picture of an Ancient Evil being. Hansung Yu murmured toward the figure,
"Looks like we'll witness the birth of a new Slayer… Jinsung."